Monday, 2 February 2009

The symbiotic potential of me and you

"A symbiotic relationship is a relationship between two entities which is mutually beneficial for the participants of the relationship. Thus there is a positive-sum gain from cooperation."

A symbiotic relationship is normally between two species: in this instance you are a human and I am a zombie.

Lately my days have been starting (abruptly and unwillingly) at about 4AM, this morning with a safety gate deposited on my head by a naked toddler as I slept on the floor of said toddler's room. Due to lack of sleep I'm becoming serious disorganised, if not legally insane.

But what does this have to do with a symbiosis between me and you? In my general befuddlement, I've lost track as to who has offered to be testers of the new patterns I have in development. I've had offers on my blog, through Etsy, through Craftster, through my personal email, through my work email... and now I've completely lost track.

So what do we offer each other and how does testing work? I'll send you the pattern pieces and a tutorial. You make it, and then give me feedback. How clear is the tutorial? Is there anything I need to improve or change? How well does it fit? And anything else you might think of. If there are changes to be made based on the feedback, I'll also send you a final draft of the pattern and tutorial. So I get independant information and advice, and you get a free, brand spanking new pattern and tute! Interested?!

In an attempt to bring some order (and comfort) back into my chaotic existance, I was hoping that I could keep a record of all the volunteers within this post. If you're interested in being a tester, please leave a comment on this post with the country you live in, the sizes your children wear, and their genders. You could also tell me if there is any thing you would be more inclined (or disinclined) to test. Thanks!

107 comments:

Ooh ooh me me me (Waves arm in the air)lol.I'd love to be a tester.I have two little girls. The eldest is 4 and on the slim side. She has fab long curly hair. And the youngest will be 2 in may, she's still at the chubby stage :-)Oh and we are in the UK (North East) covered in snow at the moment.

I love your stuff and would love a chance to test! I have 3 kids, Boy 1 is 8 but wears more like a size 10, Boy 2 is 5 and wears a 5/6, and the Girl is 1 (2 in July) and wears an 18 months to a size 2. I do have other little girls though that I make clothes for, that are a size 3 and a size 4/5. And were in CA, USA.

I'd be more than happy to test your patterns - I am gestating a girl due in May, have another girl who'll be two in May (what can I say about August?), a boy who will be three in March and a boy who will be eight in June :)

I actually saw your coats on Living etc and I was seriously impressed! Can I point you to a UK-based craft forum I think you'd like? It's called Crafteroo and it's very friendly :D

I'd love to test. I have one son who is 16 months & wears 18 month clothes. (I also just found out there's another on the way, but shhh... not telling yet!) I also have a niece & friends with toddler girls so I'm happy so sew stuff as gifts for them. I'd be happy to try anything, but obviously boy stuff is more interesting to me now.I must warn you I'm a novice sewer; not sure if that's a plus or minus for you. I don't have a ton of expertise so I might have a slightly more difficult time with the patterns, but I could also give good feedback on how clear they are for beginners!I'm in the US (Chicago).

I would love to test your pattern. I am in the US and have two daughters. One is getting into 4T size, the other is size 10 (which may be beyond your pattern size...). Also, I am expecting a new niece or nephew in July, so I'm looking for a 6-mos. or 18-mos. size coat to make up for him/her (that one would be more neutral...).

I'm not a beginner, but don't usually make things as tailored or detailed as a coat (mostly dresses for my girls).

I would like to test your patterns. I live in the USA and I have two girls 9mos and 2 1/2 years old. I am interested in sewing and testing various patterns you have in development! Thank you so much, Naomi aromascapecandles1@hotmail.com

Hello! I would love to test a pattern. I have a girl who is 9 months, but wears cloth nappies, so has the bum of a 1 year old! It wouldn't actually me who would be doing the testing, it would be my mum, who is an 'old school' sewer. We (me, mum, and daughter) all live in Lancashire.Thank you! x

OOOOOOOOH I would love to test your patterns!! I adore your stuff! I have a 4 1/2 year old boy, although his style is very girly a dress would be pushing it lol!!! but have a friend with a tall thin 6 year old who I would be happy to make for! I am in Devon. xxxxxxxxx

Me too, me too!!! My sewing skills are on the minimal side, picked a machine up last summer, but am learning at a rate of knots! My little un has just turned 3 and she's a lovely rounded toddler, a little on the tall side but fits most 3-4 size (depends where you shop). We are in Portugal and my e mail is :koolkatskate@graffiti.net. I'm sure the Portuguese will be as taken by your designs as I am!! (Grovel, grovel!!!). Beijinhos.

I would love to be a tester too! My little girls are 5 and 1 yrs old. The five year old is wearing size 6-7 and the one year old is in 18 months. Also have friends with a newborn boy. I live in Augusta, GA (USA) and have a bunch of fabric I want to use up. I'm willing to try out anything!

I would love to test your patterns...I like to sew for my daughter who is just turning 1 but is very petite (fits more into 9 months at the present). I live in Ontario, Canada...just let me know.Thanksjodym7@yahoo.com

hello!me, me!i have a 2 yr old boy,long blonde curly hair (not, that that's relevant but he will look good in the photos i will send you.)he is slim, has his dad's hips (luckly bugger) and average height.My son is a dandy and his two favourite outfits at the moment are;a skull and crossbones wristband and crocodile socks (nothing else) and a white nightdress, bangles and a blue sequinned scarf!good luck with dressing the infant quentin crisp!hope you liked my blog, by the way, i've updated it.Hope you pick me!take carekitschpuppy.

HelI'm really Alex (not Daisie) and I would jump at the chance to try some of your amazing patterns.

I have a beautiful girl, Elizabeth who is nearly 8 and rather on the round side, I have Francesca who is 5 but is very tall and very skinny (wearing size 7 school dresses just for the length), a son, Nathaniel who will be 2 in June and is about the size you'd expect!

I would definitely be interested in testing for you! I have a 2 1/2 year old girl, she wears 2T or 3T and a little boy who just turned 1! He wears an 18 month, although he seems to be growing fast and may catch up to his sister in no time!!

If you need more testers, I'm lining up!I've got a daughter who is 5, and wears size 5 and a son who is nearly 2, and nearly in size 2. Cute as buttons, a blonde and a redhead if that holds any sway. :)

I would love to be a tester. I love your clothes! I'm a self taught sewer who can make things but is a complete novice when it comes to making clothes from patterns. I have a 3 year old girl and a 9 month old boy. I live in Bristol, UK.

I'd love to be a tester too!!I've got a girl aged 2, slim and quite tall. She wears size 3, though I'm not quite sure it's the same size 3T you use in your pattern. I've just ordered the asymetrical coat and I hope it arrives soon because I can't wait to start sewing! I think your designs are great!

I'd love to test out your patterns. I have a little girl, 8 months. I've never sewn clothes before, but I do quilt. Like another previous poster, I would be a good tester if you're trying to see how easy it is for novices to use your patterns. I'm in the US (Maryland).

I know it's late in the game, but if you do need an additional tester, let me know. I'd be happy for the opportunity to try things out for you!

Hi....just found your fab clothes and blog...hope its not too late but we would love to test and show off your clothes. iam considering purchasing some now... have i missed the sale! we live in nottingham uk i have one little girl 5, quite tall and not very wide!

Is it too late to be part of this? I would slice off a coupla fingers with my rotary cutter to be one of your testers (well maybe that's a bit dramatic but I'm keen, ok?)!

I'm from Brighton, UK, and have one little (tall!) 14 month old boy who grows like a weed. I also have a 3 yr old nephew, a 2 yr old niece and a diddy little 2 month old nephew so happy to test boy's or girl's stuff of various sizes...

I live in the United States, more specifically Oklahoma. I have a little girl who will be 2 at the end of October and wears a 2T.

I would love to test anything to fit her, especially some jacket type patterns this fall. I can't settle on a pattern. I also have a 6 year old neice that I craft for often so I would be able to sew her size as well. Which is a 7/8.

I think it's great that you do this. Your patterns are always so adorable.

Oh, are you still taking testers? (Hope, hope, hope). I stumbled onto your blog and love it. I live in the US, Arizona where it's hot and dry. My daughter fits about 18m and is long waisted and skinny. I also sew for my sister friends with slightly older kids (around 2T) mix of boys and girls.

I Would LOVE to test your patterns if you still want more people. I have two daughters ages 2 and 1...kind of confusing but my 2 yr old wears 12-18 month and my 1 year old wears 18-24 month. We live in utah, united states. email is lexielou67@hotmail.com

I know I'm very low down on this list, but I've just discovered your blog and found it very entertaining! I'd love to test out any boys patterns. My son is a skinny 4 and still wears anything from 2 upwards. Trousers are a real problem as they are constantly falling off him! I get so bored with boys clothes so it's nice to find someone making great boys stuff!

I LOVE your cute patterns! I just found your site/blog/etsy from your kimono dress tute on Crafster. I would love the opportunity to pattern test for you. I have three girls, size 18 mos, size 4 and size 5 or 6. I love anything cute and girly-- your coats are AMAZING!!!

It's taken me a while to find you, but here I am. If you still need sewists, I'd love to participate. I have a little guy who is almost 2 and wears 18-24mo pants and 12-24 or 2T shirts. You can see my work on my blog.

I'd love to test your patterns as well, if you still need testers! I've just rediscovered sewing and love it! I have one son (will be 2 in February) who wears 2T now and a daughter due in March. I plan to make as much of their clothes as possible, so this sounds really great! We live in Columbia, MO, USA. You can contact me via email andrea_hark@hotmail.com

I would like to be a tester for three reasons:1. I have several friends with children ranging from newborn to age 6 who need cool things to wear. (And even though they are adult-sized, my teen daughter and one of her friends say they "need" a fleece earflap hat like the one on your site.)2. I have a big stash of fleece and cottons that needs to be used (finally!)3. For fun!

Hi there Amanda! I would love to test your patterns, I'm new to this amazing world of blogging but I've been sewing since I was little. I'm a SAHM living in Surrey UK, I have a little girl who is 4 and we're hoping to be lucky enough to add to our family with another little one soon. I love your designs and would be over the moon to be a tester for you!

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Hi there, I'd really be interested in road testing your new patterns! I'm a fairly inexperienced sewer but am def. addicted to this new found hobby. I have made some clothes for my kids already I have a petite 6yr old girl who happens to have Down Syndrome and who loves sorting my stash for me! She wears age 4y trousers and 5 yrs on top! My son is a tall 5y and very slim!! I'm on the verge of starting my own blog just creating a logo for my url (sewjustinesew.co.uk).Until I'mlive please contact me at justine-mullins@sky.com XXXX

I am a newbie to the world of sewing so for me simple is the way to go. I have a girl of 8 who has a generous fit around the middle but normal length. I have a streak of a daughter age 10 and nearly as tall as me 5'2" and I'm nearly as old as the hills and a son of 8 who is already wearing age 12-13 for the waist but far too long in the legs. Could I be a tester ??

I am an advance newbie in Santa Barbara, CA USA and collector of your Kitschy Coo kids patterns. *love* them all. As of April 2010 I have a 5 year boy who is too big for your patterns but my 3 year old girl loves them. I currently been making your 3/4 sizes and they are just perfect to grown in. I would love to test out any new patterns that you come up with. They are all so adorable. Thanks in advance for your consideration.

I would love to test your patterns! I may have dropped my maternity self out of the cool girl club, but I'm all in for sewing for munchkins! I have a 2T girl and a boy on the way. By the way, I think you should sell the underwear pattern you drafted. (I'll buy it!) Maybe for adult size too, they look uber-comfy! I'm thinkin' summer jamma bottoms!

I'm a little late to the party, so to speak - but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your stuff and would happily test any patterns you have in the works!I have a daughter who is 6 and wears a 6/7 and a son who is 4 who wears a 4/5. We are in Massachusetts, USA.

Hi! I have a 5-year-old and 2 week old girls at home and would love to participate in your tutorial trials.

I'm signing up today because I've just read your posting on underwear - they look like they're great coverage - my daughter has a little problem with sand when wearing dresses... a bit more leg coverage would be fantastic!!

you can add me to your (very very long) list! my boy is 5 and little girl is nearly 3 . they are both reasonably skinny (ie just moved her out or 9-12 months skirts due to indecency! but they still fit round her 'waist'. In the UK (brirmingham to be exact!) x

I'm sure you have MANY testers by now - but if you are still in the market for more, I'd LOVE to test too! I have a daughter who is 6 and wears size 6-7 and a son who is 4 and wearing 4T-5T. I'm in the US (Massachusetts to be exact!)

I'd love to be a tester if you're still looking for more. I have one son who will be two in September. He's small though, still wearing mostly 18mo. clothing (although pant length in that size is too short). I'm also expecting another little boy in December. I love sewing home decorator items, crafty things... well, most anything really. I'm always up for learning something new. I'm in Illinois, US.

I would love to test patterns for you. I have three little girls: 5 1/2 (wears 6/7 or 7/8), 4 (wears 4T), and 2 (wears 2T or 3T). I have 18 nieces and nephews from newborn to 12, so I can pretty much test any size you might need.

I'm Maria and I live in Catalonia (Spain). I love your patterns and would be very proud of testing them. I've got an almost 4 year old daughter, tall and slim, who fits a 4-5T, and a nine month baby boy. I hope I can help you to make instructions easier to follow for non usual english speakers.

I know this is an old post, but if you look for testers on upcoming patterns, I'm your girl! I have a 2yo girl (wearing closer to 4T right now) and a 4yo boy (wearing 4T/5T). I write a lot of pattern reviews on my blog, too, so hopefully I would be useful in my feedback. :-) I'm going to start cutting fabric for your hoodie pattern within the next day, so I'm excited to review that one (it looks awesome).

Thanks for your blog, I found it today. I usually don't read older posts on blogs I just come across (apparently by all the comments I've left you in the last 30 minutes, haha), but yours is hilarious as well as informative (on the sewing front). You have a new fan. :-)

Hi there, I would love to be a pattern tester. I have 3 kids, 2 boys, 2 and 6 and a girl 11, (size 12 or adult xsmall). They have alot of fun when I make them things and love that thy have original clothes and accessories in our town. We live in Smoky Lake, Alberta, Canada. Please keep us in mind.

Just in case you don't have enough testers...I'm being very hopeful, I would love to be a tester for you. I live in the US, and have 3 kids. Two boys, sizes 4T and 3T, and one girl size 18 months. I love to sew and I'm good and giving feedback!shimmerskys@yahoo.com

Just found your blog and love your style this volunteering to be your lab rat. I live on the South Coast near Brighton have 2 girls aged 8 & 5, standard sizes. I have sewing machine & overlocker (although not on first name terms with it yet!) and happy to sew pretty much anything......

Great blog, your pattens look totally great and I'm in awe of the stuff you make!

I'd love to test-sew for you if you're still looking for volunteers. I have a daughter who is 3 and a half but tall and not particularly skinny, wearing clothes for age 4, and a son who is an average-sized almost-two year old. We live in Belgium.

My sewing skills should probably be described as intermediate but solid, so hopefully I'll be able to do your ideas justice...

Hello, I don't know if you are still mining this post for testers but I thought I'd add my comment in anyhow. I live in the USA and have 3 children. A girl size 6-12mo, a boy size 3/4, and a girl size 7/8. I tested out your hoodie & chonies patterns previously and would love to test future patterns also. Thanks!

I would love to be a tester if you still need one after your 77 other offers!I would be testing for a 6 year old girl, 4 year old boy and 1 month old twins (girl and boy). I am from South Africa but currently living in the UK while my husband is studying at Oxford.

love to test ! the kids in my house are 4 and 7 girls and 6 boy (sizes 5 ,7 & 8 slim)i love to sew though i just really started several years ago Pennsylvania ,U.S.A. - becoming proficient in the sewing scene and loves to dip my hand in any honest input! i will try almost any patterns just say the word!

I'd love to test your patterns!I live in Belgium with my husband and2 year old girl. I usually draw the patterns for dresses myself, and am currently trying out jackets/coats and pants for her.Hope to hear from you!

Do you still use pattern testers? I would love to be a tester. I am a mother of 3 daughters and have been sewing 40+ years. I have a 6 yo GD. She wears a size 6/7. I live in NYS.My email is ehesse1215@yahoo.com

Hi, I'd love to test a pattern or two for you. I have a G:9mthsG:3.5yrsB:5yrsG:10yrsand a grown up B & G.I live in Western Australia and we are in Summer here right now but I dont mind making Winter items in a slightly bigger size.sherryws (at) dodo (dot) com (dot) au

I would love to be one of your testers, I live in Arkansas and have a new great grandbaby on the way and I sew for my daughters and their kids. Also for friends. Please let me be a tester. I am outbutnotoutdone(at)hotmail (dot) com

I would love to test patterns. I have a 2 year old girl who almost fits 4T and a 6 month old girl who almost fits 6-9 month. We live CO, USA. I'm in the process of finishing up some sewing projects and hopefully will have them posted on my blog by the end of the week, if you want to check them out. (http://dragonflyscreativecafe.blogspot.com/)

I'd love to be a pattern tester! I've got a daughter who is 5 and wears a 5-6, and a 3 year old son who wears a 3-4. We're currently located just outside San Francisco, CA. I'm a self-taught sewer who is pretty good at getting myself in over my head with projects, yet, they always seem to turn out better than anticipated! I'm also in the psyching up process of starting a little blog of my own... Perhaps. Maybe. Anyway, let me know if I can help! Cheers! RebThack@gmail (dot) com

I'd love to be added to your list, I'm in Queensland, Australia and have a girl aged 4. Happy to have a go at most kinds of projects, skirts are a favourite in our house, dresses, I just got my first overlocker and would love to do easy beginner stuff on that too.I just started to blog at http://whatmamamade.wordpress.com/

I would absolutely love to be a tester. I have a 6 yr old girl in size 7, a 3 yr old boy with a size 2T waist and 4T length it is so hard to find pants for him, and a 4 month old in 3-6 mon. I'm located in Fort Worth, TX. I taught myself how to sew. I just got my first embroider machine for Christmas. Yippie. Gubbintook@yahoo.com

If you don't already have too many pattern testers, I would love to join the group! I have been loving your knit wear tutorials. My daughter is 5 months old, and wearing 6-9 month onesies and some 9+ month pants. We do cloth diapers, so she's usually a size up in pants. I don't have a serger, just a good basic Janome. I am in Orange county, CA. Pick me! codiandtim@gmail.com

Me, please! I've got three little girls, aged 2, 4 and 5 1/2. And I love making clothes for them and me (a size 8/10) if you ever need another tester in the UK. I'm in Bedford.Thanks!kitchentablesewing.blogspot.co.uk

Hi! I love testing patterns! I have a little girl aged 3, wearing a 3/4T and a little boy aged 4, freakishly tall--wears a 5/6T! I love, love, love making clothes for these little monsters. I'm a self-taught sewist, I have a serger and an embroidery machine. (Not that it matters, but I just got it and I'm excited) I'm in southern Missouri.Thanks!Lauralalaflutist(at)gmail(dot)com

Hi, sure you don't need me but I figured it wouldn't hurt to post :)I have a daughter currently wearing 2T/3T and a son currently wearing 5T. I have done a bit of pattern testing & love feeling like I can contribute. I do have a serger in addition to my sewing machine and Silhouette Cameo. I am in Minnesota, USA. I have been sewing for 20yrs+. Hope you are having a lovely day & thank you for the blog!

Maybe I should spend more time on your website...I never saw this post before. I'm offering my children's bodies and my sewing skills for you to take advantage of.;) (In case you need an older boy/girl for sizing)

Girl=almost 13 and is in anywhere from a 10-14 in children's clothing. I'm sure she'd fit into a double zero or whatever insane size is the absolute smallest in women's wear but I'm not ready for her to be a grown woman.

Hello, I realise that this post has been up here for quite a while, but in the vain hope that you may still need people to test, I have 3 children, a boy aged 7, but tall and skinny and usually wears age 8, another boy aged 5, but very tall and usually needs age 6-7, and a girl aged 3, who is , you guessed it, tall but not quite as skinny as her brothers yet, and wears age 4-5.thanks!

If it gets all the way down to me, then I'd love to be a tester. I have two kidlets, Beanie 6 (girl) (she wears size 7-8 clothes as she is tall and skinny) and Bear 2.5 (boy). We are happy to test anything and everything. No preferences at all. We are based in Melbourne, Australia.